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At my wits end.

9 replies

Lottiebugz22 · 17/01/2019 16:59

I can't seem to get my 5 week old baby to sleep properly. She was up all night crying last night, slept for a few hours this morning and then has been up for hours again crying which stops and starts. Other times she will feed every 3 hours and nap in between. I don't understand what is happening. I'm exhausted.
I really want to get her into some kind of routine if that is even possible at 5 weeks old ...everyone I speak to hasn't had the same experience so I feel really isolated with this. Any ideas?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
CkFa · 17/01/2019 18:14

This is completely normal I'm afraid! It's such early days. Unless your instinct tells you she might be unwell - perhaps reflux? Or colic? It might be gas or just needing constant comfort. I went through it too and within a few weeks it's calmed. Good luck

Lottiebugz22 · 17/01/2019 18:37

Oh I hope she calms down then. It was awful painful like screams literally lasting for 4 and a half hours straight at one point before starting up again half an hour later.

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CkFa · 17/01/2019 19:29

Oh you poor thing! My son's cries were more for comfort, rather than the pain type of scream. If it happens frequently then maybe your health visitor can advise? The early weeks are crazy. Well done x

Lottiebugz22 · 18/01/2019 06:02

Thank you CkFa :)
Yes they are crazy haha I feel like I'm going crazy myself!

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moreismore · 18/01/2019 06:08

It could now be overtiredness... If possible I’d try a full day in bed/on sofa with constant feeding and cuddles and some skin to skin. Lots of daytime naps often lead to more settled nights.

NicoleNoPants · 18/01/2019 06:16

Where does she sleep?
Is she particularly hungry? DD would eat all day if she could and when she is even slightly peckish screams the house down!

MaverickSnoopy · 18/01/2019 06:28

I'm going to go against the grain and say that whilst the first 12 weeks (and often beyond) are hard, crying for that long wouldn't be "normal" in my experience. To me it would indicate a need (that can be settled) or a pain.

My first used to cry a lot, but it was more like overtiredness and never really more than an hour at a time before having a doze or settling. Crying very intensely and for that long would suggest a need - milk/sleep/cold/nappy or a pain. Could be colic - all of mine had that and we gave infacol which helped.

Start with nappy and check for warmth and then feed. If baby is still very upset then try winding (my first used to take 40 mins). At this point I'd be thinking extremely overtired or in pain.

Also don't underestimate confidence and belief in yourself. I really struggled to settle my first two, but my mum did it like a pro and used to get them to drop off like magic. Wasn't until I had my third that I learnt the knack. This of course will never ever work if any of the above needs aren't met.

Routines at this age don't really work. The best you can do is maybe a bedtime routine. In the day time I have always gone with an hour awake time. So baby wakes, you have a cuddle/sing/play and after 30 mins nappy change and then feed, asleep by the hour (if your baby will play the game). Google the 5S's and Harvey Karp I think. Concept is that if you swaddle, suck, side, swing and shhhhh they will settle (this is where the confidence bit comes in) but only if their primary needs are met.

Theorangeorange · 18/01/2019 06:34

Colic? Silent reflux? Could be more to it than just not settling. It's still very early days though, so don't put too much pressure on yourself for a routine. I think we started the bath, book, bed at about 12 weeks with ours (worked with the first not with the second (silent reflux)) Good luck Smile

HotInWinter · 18/01/2019 07:48

Will she settle anywhere?? If she stays in your arms, will she sleep?? Throw any thought of routine out the window for now. If there is any way she will sleep, get her to sleep.
If she cannot be settled any way, any how, GP or HV appointment.
It gets easier, honest.

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